MONDAY MIDNITE-1897

MONDAY MIDNITE-1897
From the campaign for the return of Benin's looted artifacts by British invaders in 1897 to the no-holds-barred condemnation of Nigeria's corrupt past and present leaders in tracks like PISSY PISSY, AZZHOLEZ ROCK and BRING BACK THE MONEY, this 1897 album is loaded with thought-provoking and inspiration songs. A click on the image will direct you to an online store where you can purchase the album or songs from the album.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Nigeria demands return of looted artifacts


Published: July 19, 2012 at 7:55 AM

ABUJA, Nigeria, July 19 (UPI) -- Nigeria officials have demanded the return of 32 artifacts looted by the British in 1897 and now at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.


Yusuf Abdallah Usman, director-general of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments in Nigeria, said the 32 items were looted during the Benin Massacre of 1897 by a British expedition as spoils of war, the Daily Trust reported Thursday.


"Without mincing words, these artworks are heirloom of the great people of the Benin Kingdom and Nigeria generally," Usman said. "They form part of the history of the people. The gap created by this senseless exploitation is causing our people, untold anguish, discomfort and disillusionment."


The sculptures are comprised of 28 bronze pieces and six ivory, the Daily Trust reported.
"It is very saddening that the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, [which] now claim[s] to be the new beneficiary of these works, indicate[s] that the donation met all legal standards," Usman said.
 "One wonders what they mean by this. Are they working out of the UNESCO Conventions and other standard setting instruments?"

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